Maharashtra’s Cooperative Sector Has a Glorious Legacy – Minister of State for Cooperation Dr. Pankaj Bhoyer

26th Annual Awards Ceremony of Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank Association Held with Great Enthusiasm

Mumbai : Maharashtra’s cooperative sector boasts a glorious history and plays a pivotal role in the nation’s cooperative movement, accounting for 60% of India’s total cooperative strength, said Dr. Pankaj Bhoyer, Minister of State for Cooperation. He emphasized that the contribution of cooperative institutions is crucial in the state’s overall development and praised the recognition of directors and CEOs for outstanding work in the International Year of Cooperatives as a commendable initiative.

Speaking at the 26th Annual Awards Ceremony organized by the Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank Association at Yashwantrao Chavan Centre, Dr. Bhoyer lauded the tremendous contributions of the cooperative sector. The event was attended by Konkan Divisional Commissioner Dr. Vijay Suryavanshi, Association President Bhau Kad, Vice President Pranchit Poreddiwad, Joint CEO Vijay Shankarrao Ghonse, and office bearers and members of various cooperative banks from across the state.

Dr. Bhoyer noted that the cooperative model has bolstered sectors like sugar and agriculture, and numerous institutions have performed exceptionally well. He expressed pride in cooperatives that are not only uplifting farmers but also implementing initiatives such as constructing farmer service centers and organizing educational programs for farmers’ children. Commending such initiatives, he said recognition and encouragement will foster continued social welfare work.

He also highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Cooperation Minister Amit Shah, the sector is receiving stronger support and greater direction.

During the event, the following prestigious awards for 2023-24 were presented to individuals and institutions across Maharashtra:

• Late Vishnu Anna Patil Lifetime Achievement Award
• Smt. Sushiladevi Deshmukh Memorial Women’s Award (All Maharashtra)
• Sahakar Maharshi Late Balasaheb Ghuikhedkar Young Cooperative Worker Award (All Maharashtra)
• Late Vaikunthbhai Mehta Best District Central Cooperative Bank Award
• Rajmata Jijau Best Women’s Cooperative Bank Award
• Lokneta Late Rajarambapu Patil Best Scheduled/Multi-State Urban Cooperative Bank Award
• Padma Bhushan Late Vasantdada Patil Best Urban Cooperative Bank Award
• Awards for banks based on deposit size:
  • Up to ₹100 crore
  • ₹100–250 crore
  • ₹250–500 crore
  • ₹500–1,000 crore
  • ₹1,000–1,500 crore
• Best Salary Earners’ Urban Cooperative Bank Award
• Special Centenary Journey Award
• Late Baburaoji Deshmukh Best Cooperative Bank Employee Award (Maharashtra State Cooperative Bank Ltd., Mumbai)
• Late Bhausaheb Sawant Memorial Best DCC Bank Employee Award
• Late Bapuraoji Deshmukh Best Urban Cooperative Bank Employee Award

All awards were presented by distinguished guests, celebrating excellence in Maharashtra’s vibrant and transformative cooperative sector.

Konkan Divisional Commissioner Dr. Vijay Suryavanshi also shared his thoughts on the occasion.